No cell phones, non-metallic brass knuckles for inmates under bill

ATLANTA - Cell phones and any other kind of telecommunications device would be defined as prison contraband and it would become a felony to smuggle them to inmates under a Senate-passed bill that cleared the House on Tuesday.

An amendment to the bill, added by Sen. John Douglas, R-Social Circle, also would criminalize the possession of non-metallic brass knuckles not only for inmates, but also in special cases even for non-prisoners.

It already is illegal in Georgia to take metallic brass knuckles to inmates or to carry them in school zones, inside the State Capitol or as concealed weapons. Minors also cannot possess brass knuckles in Georgia.

The amendment expands the definition of illegal brass knuckles by criminalizing those "made from metal, thermoplastic, wood, or other similar material."

Douglas said one of the chief deputies in Henry County, which he represents, alerted him to the dangers of non-metallic brass knuckles.

"People are actually sharpening these, and they're very dangerous and deadly," Grant said.

Along with being easily sharpened, the knuckles pose a threat because they can pass through metal detectors undetected, including those at airport terminals, Douglas said.

Because of the House amendment, the bill must return to the Senate for acceptance of the change. If the Senate insists on its version, a committee of three representatives and three senators will be appointed to iron out the differences.